Paco De Lucía, Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin - Luc?a, , - THE GUITAR TRIO - [CD]

Composed of three of the greatest guitarists alive, the Trio's first two recordings have sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide. John McLaughlin has been a respected guitar player since his days with Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Al Di Meola gained worldwide acclaim with Chick Corea and later Phil Collins. Paco de Lucia is considered the founder of modern flamenco guitar. Put these three together on acoustic guitars and watch out! Press in jazz and guitar publications. Full service to jazz, NAC and world radio. This was only the second recording for the Guitar Trio, coming a full 16 years after 1980's Friday Night in San Francisco, but it's a fitting sequel. Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin once again demonstrate extraordinary virtuosity, accelerated runs tumbling over one another until identities blur. Repeated listening, however, starts to focus on the subtle differences in nuance, especially in the compositions. Though DeLucia grew up in a tradition of Spanish flamenco guitar, Brazilian rhythmic touches often appear in his work, beginning with the opening "Estiba." The American Di Meola seems influenced by music of the Middle East ("Beyond the Mirage"), and the English McLaughlin has strong affinities with the music of Northern India, most apparent here in his "Letter from India." Ultimately, the impression of dazzling techniques gives way, revealing the group's deeper empathy. --Adam Rains